For your convenience, we’ve compiled this list of Tattoo FAQ and Piercing FAQ. It includes helpful information about tattoos and piercings in general, as well as aftercare instructions.
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for here, please give us a call at 905 305-0311, or drop by our newly renovated shop. We’re always happy to help.
Q: How do I know if a tattoo is right for me?
Q: How should I choose a tattoo design?
Q: Does Chronic Ink do tattoos other than Asian?
Q: How much will my tattoo cost?
Q: What about health and safety issues?
Q: How should I prepare for my tattoo session?
Q: What about tattoo aftercare?
Q: What about piercing aftercare?
Q: Is it possible to cover up an old tattoo with something new?
Q: How do I know if a tattoo is right for me?
A: A tattoo should be a very personal thing, so you want to make sure that whatever design you have tattooed on your body means something special to you. Remember, a tattoo will last a lifetime. Make sure it is something you want to see for the rest of your life. At Chronic Ink Tattoos, we specialize in custom designs that make the tattoo special and unique to you. We will never re-use your design for another customer. Top
Q: How should I choose a tattoo design?
A: We recommend that you drop by our shop and look through our books of tattoo designs to give you an idea of what’s possible. Then we invite you to speak with one of our artists about the ideas you have, so he can draw up an original design that will be unique to you. Remember, a tattoo should be something personal to you – the last thing you want is to be walking around with exactly the same tattoo as somebody else! Top
Q: Does Chronic Ink do tattoos other than Asian?
A: Yes. While we specialize in “authentic” Asian-style tattoos, we have artists that do nothing but the traditional Ed Hardy-North American style of tattoo, which includes flash, symbols, lettering, tribal designs, and realistic portraits. In other words, at Chronic Ink we do what every other tattoo shop does, plus we have the advantage of being the only Asian tattoo specialists in the Greater Toronto Area. Top
Q: How much will my tattoo cost?
A: At Chronic Ink we charge by the finished piece, so that you know before we start, how much your tattoo will cost. The size, colour, amount of detail required, and skill level of the artist are all factors which determine the final price. Top
Q: What about health and safety issues?
A:You can rest assured that your tattoo or piecing from Chronic Ink will be done with sterilized equipment and sanitary conditions that exceed government requirements. The health department (York Region) inspects and approves our autoclave sterilization equipment monthly. All chairs and workstations are cleaned with an anti-microbial solution after each job. All equipment such as tattoo machines and wash bottles are bagged to prevent cross-contamination. Your skin will be disinfected with a green soap wash before tattooing begins. Our artists wear new Nitrile gloves, and change them in front of you whenever they reach for new supplies. Our needles are NEVER reused. All needles are new, and sealed in their original sterile packaging which we break open while you watch. Top
Q: How should I prepare for my tattoo session?
A: We recommend that you wear loose, comfortable clothing to make sure that nothing will be rubbing against your fresh tattoo. Make sure you have plenty of time, and don’t have to rush off to do something after your session. The artist will take whatever time is needed to bring your tattoo to life on your body. You certainly don't want him to rush that process. Top
Q: What about tattoo aftercare?
A: Tattoos take approximately 2 weeks to heal. If you take proper care of your tattoo and follow these instructions you shouldn't have any problems. We honor all work done. We will provide touch ups free of charge providing you have not caused damage to your tattoo or unless otherwise specified.
Remove the covering 1 hour after your tattoo has been completed. Wash gently with cold water. Do not use any soap. This is the only time you should wash your tattoo (other than normal showering) until it is completely healed.
When showering do not let water beat on your fresh tattoo. Do not submerge your tattoo in water until is fully healed (at least 2 weeks), otherwise it may fade.
Approximately 1-2 days after your tattoo has been completed you will notice it starting to dry out. When this happens start applying Tattoo Goo 2-3 times daily or whenever your tattoo feels dry. For your convenience, Tattoo Goo and all other aftercare products are readily available for purchase at our shop.
If you discover any signs of excessive redness or a rash, discontinue use of Tattoo Goo, and contact us immediately at 905 305-0311.
Do not bandage your tattoo unless at risk of getting it dirty Keep your tattoo open to the air instead. Wear clean loose clothing that will not rub the tattoo.. Avoid contact with pet hair (e.g. dog or cat) until the tattoo has healed.
It is normal for your tattoo to become itchy during the healing process, but it is important that you resist the temptation to scratch, rub or pick at it to avoid damaging the artwork.
Keep your tattoo out of the sun/tanning beds for the first month, then make sure you use at least a 30 PABA-free sun block on any exposed tattoos after that to help prevent fading.
Avoid swimming for at least the first two weeks. When swimming apply a thin layer of Vaseline or waterproof sun block over your tattoo to prevent bleaching. Top
Q: What about piercing aftercare?
A: Piercings can take between 4 weeks to 8 weeks to completely heal, depending where on your body they are. It is normal for them to be tender or sore, slightly red and mildly bruised for a few days after the procedure. It is also normal for a cream-coloured discharge to form “crusties” around your piercing.
The most important thing is to always keep your piercings clean and disinfected during the healing process to avoid infection.
To clean your piercing for the first time, start by washing your hands thoroughly. Make a sterile salt water solution by mixing half a teaspoon of salt into a clean cup of boiling water. When the water cools down from hot to warm, with clean hands saturate a clean cotton ball or cotton swab in the saline solution and use this to soak the area of the piercing to soften and gently remove the “crusties”. Then use a generous lather of mild, unscented soap to gently wash the area. Be sure to rinse the area thoroughly to remove all soap residue. All other cleanings can be done in the shower, repeating this process of gentle soaping and thorough rinsing.
Between washings, keep the area of your piercing disinfected using Bactine 5 times a day for at least the first four weeks (immediately after washing, before bed, and 3 more times evenly spaced throughout the day). Gently move the jewellery within the piercing to maximize your sterilization.
Do not remove the pierced piece until it is completely healed.
Never touch your piercing or jewellery with dirty hands. Keep your piecing away from sources of contamination such as swimming pools or hot tubs until it is completely healed.
If you suspect that your piercing has become infected, please come in and see us immediately for special care. Top
Q: Is it possible to cover up an old tattoo with something new?
A: Absolutely! At Chronic Ink, all of our artists are experienced at doing cover ups. In fact, the full back image you see on this page is actually one giant cover up. Just drop by our shop and show us the tattoo you’ve got, and one of our artists will work with you to come up with a new design to cover it up. Top